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Practicum and Internships

General Information and Agency Listing

Criminal Justice majors are required to have a practicum/internship experience to complete their education. Students are not allowed to enroll in CJ 4900 or CJ 4950 until they have secured a site and have received approval from Dr. Cleary, Director of Practicum and/or Internships.

Practicum/Internship may be used as follows: from 1 up to 4 credit hours of pass/fail coursework. Only three credit hours of practicum/internship are required. Students may fulfill all three hours at one site or divide the credit hours between two placements. The three hours are the equivalent to 120 hours of site work which translates as 40 hours per each hour of practicum/internship.

Important Points

  • Students should have earned at least 90 credit hours before enrolling in practicum.
  • Preparation should be started four or more months ahead of desired placement time, due to background checks, application processing, etc. involved.
  • Each student is responsible for securing his/her own placement. After securing placement, contact Dr. Shawna Cleary (COM 115F, 405.974.5841).
  • Remember that a professional presentation, both in dress and conduct, is required. Not only are you attempting to further your education and career, but also you are a representative of this university. Present a well-dressed appearance.
  • It is suggested that you begin to secure a practicum/internship by writing a letter, such as the sample located in the link below.
  • Prior to the letter, call the desired site and ask for the name and address of the person responsible for student practicum/internship positions since personnel changes may make this list inaccurate. The phone number and location should stay the same.
  • Student Practicum/Internship - Contact Letter (Sample)
  • Practicum - Student Form
  • Practicum - Agency Form

CJ4900-Practicum Checklist

For UCO Student:

  • Locate an agency, apply, and get accepted for a practicum/internship
  • Have agency personnel complete agency ID form
  • Send completed agency ID form to Dr. Cleary (scleary@uco.edu)
  • Enroll in course once receive permission to enroll from Dr. Cleary
  • Complete required number of working hours at the agency
    • 1 UCO credit hour equals 40 hours at the agency
    • 3 UCO credit hours = 120 working hours at the agency
  • Submit signed log of hours worked and summary paper to Dr. Cleary
    • Fall deadline-last Monday in November
    • Spring deadline-last Monday in April
    • Summer deadline-last Monday in July
      • Paper length varies by credit hour:
      • 4 to 5 pages long for 3 credit hours
      • 3 to 4 pages for 2 credit hours
      • 2 to 3 pages for 1 credit hour

For Agency Personnel

  • Complete agency ID form and return it to UCO student
  • Need to sign student completed log form at completion of practicum/internship (prior to student sending it to Dr. Cleary)
  • At end of practicum/internship, send evaluation form to Dr. Cleary (scleary@uco.edu)
    • Fall deadline-last Monday in November
    • Spring deadline-last Monday in April
    • Summer deadline-last Monday in July

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can enroll in a field study or internship?
  • Students must be a junior or senior to enroll in the criminal justice undergraduate field study (required) or undergraduate internship (optional). Graduate field study or internships are optional and available only to graduate students.  You must obtain the CJ advisor's permission before enrolling in a field study or internship.
How do I find a field study or internship?
  • Students are responsible for securing a criminal or juvenile justice field study or internship placement. If you need information regarding prospective field study agencies, see your CJ advisor. A list of agencies that have accepted students in the past is available on the shelf outside the department. Do not remove. You must obtain the site's approval BEFORE requesting permission to enroll. If your placement acceptance is revoked or not fully accepted for whatever reason, you must find another placement or withdraw from the course.
Do I have to complete all three credit hours in one semester?
  • Students do not have to complete all three credit hours in one semester, nor do they have to complete all credit hours at the same agency.
If students have any questions, they may schedule an appointment with the SCJ practicum/internship advisor by calling at 405-974-5501 or by emailing Dr. Shawna Cleary.

Oklahoma County Sites

Oklahoma County Juvenile Detention Center & Juvenile Bureau

J'me Overstreet
405-713-6410
5905 N. Classen Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Agency Description: To provide a temporary, secure, safe and caring facility for youth who require secure detention for their own protection or that of the community as well as to assure their appearance as needed for legal proceedings.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. OSBI and OKC background check
  2. Written application
  3. interview with Director

Oklahoma County Juvenile District Attorney

Portia McNeil
405-713-1630
5905 North Classen, Suite 301
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Agency Description: Prosecutes juveniles accused of committing crimes in the Juvenile court system.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Background Check

Placement Duties: Help coordinate & contact witnesses, court observations, etc.

Public Defender of Oklahoma County

Melissa French
405-713-1550
320 Robert S. Kerr, Suite 611
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Agency Description: Represent indigent clients in court process.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Extensive background check including, but not limited to criminal records & driving records.
  2. Personal Interview

Placement Duties: Gather vital statistics, school/medical records. Act as liaison with witness to schedule appointments for attorneys and investigators. Contact legal and forensic experts on behalf of attorneys and investigators. Maintain strict confidentiality. Travel to different facilities involved.

Police Departments

Police Departments: Ask for who is in charge of student's practicum first; if no one is available, ask to speak to the assistant chief (or if other agencies, ask to speak to someone who would have authority over that area).

Bethany Police Department

Detective Sergeant Sharon Hogan
405-789-2323
P.O. Box 1340
Bethany, OK 73008

Agency Description: Detectives follow up on cases, interview witnesses and get statements from everyone involved in a case. File cases with the DA's office and oversees officer reports.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Resume
  2. Fill out a city application
  3. Background check
  4. Interview

Del City Police Department

Lt. Chauncey Ward
405-671-8855
4517 SE 29th Street
Del City, OK 73115

Agency Description: An internship at the Del City Police Department gives students the opportunity to be exposed to various areas of the department and to work with highly trained and professional police officers. Interns will receive hands-on training in the areas of Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Property Custody, Records and Dispatch. An Internship at the Del City Police Department will be very rewarding and will give students the opportunity to be part of the day-to-day operations of a Greater Metro area Police Department.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Interview with Community Policing Lieutenant
  2. Personal references
  3. Background check and fingerprinting
  4. Sign Letter of Agreement and Release of Liability
  5. Complete daily time sheet
  6. Final interview upon completion of program

Edmond Police Department

Major Damon Minter
405-359-4420
Damon.Minter@edmondok.com
23 E 1st Street
Edmond, OK 73034

Agency Description: Area investigations. Assisting in data entry.
Internship packet required – please follow the directions in it.  Email Dr. Shawn Cleary (scleary@uco.edu) for the packet. 

Midwest City Police Department

Administrative Support Manager Elizabeth Tuiaana
405-739-1305 or etuiaana@midwestcityok.org 
100 N. Midwest City Blvd
Midwest City, OK 73110

Application process:

  1. Applications are accepted year-round.
  2. Spring internship candidates will be contacted by MPD to meet during the first week in January.
  3. Summer internship candidates will be contacted by MPD to meet during the first week in May.
  4. Fall internship candidates will be contacted by MPD to meet during the first week in August.
  5. After meeting with students, it takes approximately a week to complete a background check, online CJIS training/testing, and fingerprinting before advising students if they are accepted at the agency.

Norman Police Department

MPO Carl Pendleton
405-366-5222
201-B West Gray
Norman, OK 73069

Agency Description: An internship at the Norman Police Department gives students the opportunity to be exposed to various areas of the department and to work with highly trained and professional police officers. Interns will receive hands-on training in the areas of Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Crime Lab, Property Custody, Records and Training. An Internship at the Norman Police Department will be very rewarding and will give students the opportunity to be part of the day-to-day operations of the third largest police department in the state.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Application Information
  2. Education level/Major
  3. GPA (Minimum 2.5)
  4. Oral interview
  5. Personal References
  6. Background check
  7. Polygraph screening/examination

For a complete list of application requirements, or to submit an application, view the Norman Police Department Internship Guide.

Oklahoma City Police Department

Sgt. Matthew Buchheit
matthew.buchheit@okc.gov 
405-316-5734
800 N. Portland Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Agency Description: The Oklahoma City Police Department protects citizens and property from criminal activity, keeps the peace, enforces laws, apprehends criminals and helps prepare cases for prosecution. The department has a central police station and five substations and covers over 2,500 police reporting districts that average 1/4 square mile in size. In addition to officers patrolling the city in cars and on foot, the Police Department includes an Investigations Bureau, an Airport Police Unit, a Helicopter Unit, a Motorcycle Unit, a Canine unit, an Equine Unit and a Lake Patrol Section. The department operates the City's Emergency Management and 9-1-1 programs. The department also has a Crime Scene Investigations Unit to collect and protect evidence, with a state-of-the-art Forensic Lab, Drug Lab and DNA lab to process the evidence.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Internship Application
  2. Background Investigation
  3. Interview

UCO Police Department

Operations Commander - Captain Julius Adkins
405-974-2345
100 N. University Drive
Edmond, OK 73034

Agency Description: The UCO Police Department consists of 6 communications officers and 17 certified police officers that patrol 210 acres. Our community consists of Educational Buildings, Residence Halls, and public property. UCO PD uses foot patrols, police bicycle teams, and vehicles to serve, support, and protect our community. The UCO Police ensure the safety of the community by ensuring the physical security of the campus facilities after normal business hours. UCO Police are also responsible for enforcing traffic laws on campus, enforcing the policies of UCO, and investigating crimes on campus. UCO Police aid motorists and provide several types of escorts to students, faculty, and staff daily. An internship with the UCO Police Department will give students the opportunity to be exposed to various areas of the Police Department and the larger criminal justice system. A selected intern will have the chance to work with Police Officers, Communications Officers, and Detective to receive hands-on training in the areas of Patrol, Investigation, and Communications.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Application & Interview
  2. Background Investigation
  3. Interview with Captain

Tulsa Police Department

Officer Randall Armstrong, Police Officer/Recruiter
Training Division
918-591-4521
rarmstrong@cityoftulsa.org
6066 E. 66th Street North
Tulsa, OK 74117

The Village Police Department

405-751-9569
2304 Manchester
The Village, OK 73120

Agency Description: Its primary goal is to protect and serve the citizens of The Village. This department conducts many forms of community-oriented policing.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Background check
  2. Fill out a daily time sheet

State Agencies

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI)

Agent Stan Florence
405-879-2658
405-844-6724
N. Harvey, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Agency Description: Information Services Division - Identification Unit. Student will work in two units -
Computerized Criminal History (CCH) and the Self Defense Act Licensing Unit (SDA).
The major function in the CCH unit is the processing of criminal history information
from Oklahoma Law Enforcement agencies. This includes the Review and Entry of
arrest and disposition information into Oklahoma's Automated Fingerprinting
Identification System. The major function in the SDA Unit is the processing issuing
and Denial of applications for Self-Defense Act Licenses.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Student must obtain approval from SCJ Faculty (before applying)
  2. Background check
  3. Drug Screen
  4. Polygraph

Anne Simons
405-879-2950
6600 N. Harvey
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
anne.simons@osbi.ok.gov

Agency Description: Information Services Division - Data Collection and Reporting Section.
This internship opportunity is available in the law enforcement data collection component
of the Oklahoma Violent Death Reporting System. This position is location at the OSBI
Headquarters in Oklahoma City.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Student must obtain approval from SCJ Faculty (before applying)
  2. Complete OSBI background investigation

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN)

J.R. Gibson
800-522-8031
419 NE 38th Terrace
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
cwilliams@obn.state.ok.us

Practicum Duties: As requested by the Agency.

*Must be arranged at least one semester in advance

Oklahoma Highway Patrol

TRP Eric Foster
PO Box 11415 OKC, OK 73136
(405) 999-2620
eric.foster@dps.ok.gov

Agency Description: Provides various law enforcement services to the entire State of Oklahoma
and principally deals with traffic, accidents, etc on state highways.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Interview
  2. OSBI Background Check

Oklahoma County Community Sentencing

Bruce McGill
405-713-1196
217 N Harvey, Suite 306
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Agency Description: Community Sentencing, working primarily with LSI classified moderate inmates.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Completed application on file
  2. Background check

Placement Duties: To monitor LSI "moderate" individuals and assisting an officer in his or her job.
Works with judges would be included.

Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA)

Willie Craven
405-523-4628
3700 N Classen Blvd. Suite C15
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Agency Description: Compile a complete social history, court reports and supervise youth.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Background check
  2. Drug Test
  3. Reference check

Placement Duties: Writing reports, visits in detention, possible visits in institutions attending court
hearings.

Children and Youth Commissions

Debbie McCowan
405-606-4900
4545 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Placement Duties: Placement in various areas: Psychology, Oversight programs, etc.

Norman Probation and Parole Office

Corry Flowers
405-364-2365
Southwest District Community Corrections
1919 Industrial Blvd.
Norman, OK 73069

Oklahoma Probation Services

Robin Eubank
405-602-8734
600 N. Dewey, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

This is a probation department accepting defendants from Oklahoma County that have misdemeanor charges or non-violent Felony cases that are not required to be monitored by DOC. There is direct supervision at this agency but there are no home visits. Monitoring for employment, completion of programs, searches for new charges, and directing clients to obtain services both court ordered or voluntarily to deal with their case and/or other issues. Suitable candidates would be interested in becoming probation officers or maybe even legal aids.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Link to intern application: https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/odwc-careers/internships

Federal Agencies

Students may also go to justice.gov, click on search, and then fill in "student practicum" for further listings. The contact person listed may change. Verify it through a phone call.

U.S. Marshals Service

Analicia Wong
405-465-0427
200 NW 4th [2nd floor]
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Agency Description: The Marshal Service captures fugitives, mostly offenses involving violent, sexual or drug related type crimes. They provide protection of federal judges and staff as well as federal witnesses. They transport federal prisoners in their own special planes. They also seize and auction all properties and possessions that were previously owned by convicted criminals.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Must be a college student
  2. Student must obtain approval from SCJ Faculty (before applying)
  3. Urinalysis
  4. Background check

US Marshals, Northern District of Oklahoma - Tulsa Office

Kourtney Ross
US Marshal Service Contractor
office: 918-581-7738
cell: 405-612-0636
email: Kourtney.Ross@usdoj.gov

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms

Internship put on hold due to funding limitations 

Jeanne Gregory - Investigative Analyst
405-297-5060
55 North Robinson, Suite 229
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Agency Description: The ATF monitors and investigates the bootlegging of Alcohol and Tobacco.
They also investigate federal firearms violations, as well as explosives.

Placement Duties: On site. Sit in on briefings, chain of command, court observation
and office filings.

*Takes 4 to 5 months to apply

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Initial interview with the special agent in charge of local office
  2. Background check
  3. Fill out federal job application*

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Valerie Ladner
405-713-4084
3301 W Memorial Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Rick Raines
405-290-3687
3301 W Memorial Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Student must obtain approval from SCJ Faculty (before applying)
  2. Interview
  3. Background Check
  4. Fill out federal job application*
  5. Polygraph

***Honors Internship Program: Short window of application, submissions due the fall before summer of internship will be completed; very selective, one person per office per summer

Federal Correctional Institution

Darla
405-319-7588
P.O. BOX 1000
El Reno, OK 73036

Agency Description: Provides care, control and custody of federal inmates.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Fill out federal job application
  2. Background check
  3. Interview

Placement Duties: Work in housing unit with House Manager. Start paper works several months
in advance.

U.S. Probation Office

Kim Rieger
Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer
405-609-5820
215 Dan A. McGee, Room 201
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Student must obtain approval from SCJ Faculty (before applying)
  2. Fill out federal job application
  3. Background check
  4. Interview

Drug Enforcement Administration

Jackie Hobday
405-475-7500
901 NE 122nd Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Secret Service, OKC Field Office

https://www.usajobs.gov/
http://www.secretservice.gov/join

Corrections Department

Students must contact warden of each individual prison or community corrections center.

Mabel Bassett Correctional Institution

405-964-3020
29501 Kickapoo Road
McCloud, OK 74851

Coordinator: Call individual wardens. - Mabel Basset

Agency Description: To correct offender by offering various programs such as counseling, rehabilitative, parenting, educational, and vocational techniques. Their mission is to serve the public, empower the employee and to rehabilitate the offender.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Fingerprint
  2. Background Check
  3. TB test

Hillside Community Correction Center

Sharon Harrison, District Supervisor
405-425-2905
3300 N MLK Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Agency Description: To correct offender by offering various programs such as counseling, rehabilitative, parenting, educational, and vocational techniques. Their mission is to serve the public, empower the employee and to rehabilitate the offender.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Fingerprint
  2. Background Check
  3. TB test

Oklahoma City Community Correction Center

Tommy Morrison
405-858-6456
315 W I-44 Service Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Lexington Assessment Center - RFD1

Amanda Webb - Warden's Assistant
405-527-5676 ext. 2108
PO Box 260
Lexington, OK 73051

Agency Description: Join Prison Unit Manager on regular inspections. Help file paperwork and talk with inmates in scheduled sessions. Walk the yard with prison guards.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Background Check
  2. No Drug Activity

Additional Sites

C.A.R.E. Center

Te' Ata Purcell
405-236-2100 ext 109
PO Box 1125
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1125

Agency Description: Child Abuse Response Evaluation Center. Child advocate role.

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Mandatory training and
  2. Background check

Special Opportunity: Hands on experience. Student will work shift (8:30 to 12pm or 12:30 to 4:00)
with direct contact with abused children and their families. Children who have experienced abuse and/or are from meth homes.

Diversion Hub

Diversion Hub offers experience working with justice navigation, case management, administrative work, and the donation closet.

Contact: Sydney Woods
swoods@diversionhub.org

Dragonfly Home

Marla O'Fallon  
(405) 434-6634
thedragonflyhome.org

The Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City

Amanda Gautier
AGautier@homelessalliance.org

The Homeless Alliance mission is to end homelessness in Oklahoma City. They offer internships for bachelor and master level students by providing on-site training that includes: safety, advocacy, shadowing our various case management programs, working with the clients on their basic needs, etc.  Internships are tailored to students' interests and offer a variety of knowledge. They serve a very diverse population and our employees and our culture mirror that diversity.

Northcare Fields of Hope

Parthenia Barry BS, BHCMII
parthenia.barry@northcare.com
(405) 858-1717
7127 N. County Line Road
Piedmont, OK 73078

Pivot, Inc.

Shantel Farrow
(405) 235-7537
201 NE 50th ST
OKC, OK 73105

University of Oklahoma Criminal Defense Clinic 

Cheryl Wattley
405-325-3702
300 Timberdell Rd
Norman, OK 73019
cwattley@ou.edu

Agency Description: Represent indigent criminal defendants who are charged with misdemeanor and some felony offenses. Representation provided by second and third year law students supervised by experienced lawyers working for the University Of Oklahoma College Of Law. Students handle every aspect of the defense of a criminal case.  (Fall and Spring Semesters Only)

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Must obtain special permission from Dr. Brown
  2. Interest in Criminal Law
  3. Law student or criminal justice student

Special Opportunity: Be a trainer in class room simulation of Robbery I. Role play defendant throughout police/ court process.

YWCA Oklahoma City

Rachele Eskridge
405-948-1770
2460 NW 39th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
reskridge@ywcaokc.org

Agency Description: YWCA OKC provides crisis and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking

Applicant Requirements: Application, Interview, 3 references, completion of introductory training, and a genuine interest in supporting survivors of violence.

Placement Duties: respond to survivors in crisis, provide supportive services to survivors in different settings including sexual assault exams, court, and shelter.

Canadian County Family Justice Center

7905 State Highway 66
El Reno, OK
Contact: Jennifer Coulson
405-295-6191
email: jennifer@cardinalpointok.org

Juvenile Services Unit (OJA - Logan County)

Martha Rea
405-282-6020
201 West Oklahoma, Suite 314
Guthrie, OK 73044

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Fill out a volunteer form
  2. drug test by urinalysis
  3. Background check by OSBI
  4. Three references from friends not relatives

Placement Duties: The duties include intake sessions with both the juvenile and the parents. Staffing with the District Attorney before juvenile court dates. Probation Officer counseling
with the juvenile on a regular basis until they are off probation. Keeping records on every contact you have with a juvenile. Sending out appointment letters. Making visits at home, school, detention centers, or even group homes and some will be out of the area anywhere in the state. Hours are flexible and you may have to work late sometimes, but usually work 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

FCI (Federal Correctional Institution) El Reno

Mail Address: PO Box 1500, El Reno, OK 73036
Physical Address**: 4205 Highway 66 West, El Reno, OK 73036
Phone: 405.262.4875
Fax: 405.319.7626
**DO NOT SEND MAIL TO PHYSICAL ADDRESS

Project Safe, Shawnee

Contact: Mystie Smith
Phone: 405-613-5809

Reliable Diagnostics Laboratory

Adrienne Johnson
405-602-8732
621 NW 6th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

This is currently a toxicology screening laboratory, but is moving toward being a fully functional toxicology confirmation laboratory. After full confirmation capabilities the laboratory will begin branching out into DOT testing and medical laboratory testing. Suitable candidates would be interested in obtaining a degree in the Physical or Biological Sciences that would need laboratory time and training.

Court Assistance Programs

Mary Wickstrom
405-290-7322
600 N. Dewey, Ste 100
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

The Court Assistance Programs does monitoring, education, and criminal intervention for multiple municipal and county jurisdictions in the central Oklahoma area. Substance Related Arrests, Assault Related Arrest, Theft related arrest, and Domestic Violence cases including assessments. CAP works very closely with about 12 different court jurisdictions, multiple DOC and DHS jurisdictions, numerous attorney’s on pre-plea cases, Judges and Prosecutors in Out Of Custody RID situations, and the Attorney General’s Victim Unit on Domestic Violence cases. Suitable candidates would be criminal justice, sociology, psychology, and in some cases maybe even pre-law degree sets.

School of Criminal Justice